Passage Of Arts And Culture Levy Critical To Cuyahoga County And Lakewood

On November 3rd, Cuyahoga County voters will have the opportunity to continue to invest in Cuyahoga County’s critical Arts & Culture community by renewing the penny-and-a-half per cigarette tax they originally approved in 2006. In the decade since voters passed the levy by a resounding 57%, our arts and culture sector has helped fuel Cuyahoga County’s revitalization.

Since grants funded by the Arts & Culture Levy were distributed in 2007, more than $125 million has been awarded for operations and projects to more than 300 organizations operating at more than 2,500 locations in every corner of the county. These include everything from museums and cultural institutions to small community theaters, non-profit galleries, nature centers and much more.

Organizations receiving levy-funded grants provide nearly 9,000 jobs, and offer nearly 1.4 million annual educational experiences for kids, including more than 18,000 annual field trips.

Lakewood has seen significant benefits from the levy. More than $1.6 million has been invested in Lakewood with general operating and program support to Beck Center for the Arts, Green Triangle, Lakewood Historical Society, Lakewood Public Library, Lakewood Alive and The West Shore Chorale since 2007.

The levy, which has already received endorsements from more than 200 elected officials, public bodies and organizations including Ohio Senator Michael Skindell, 23rd District, Ohio Representative Nickie J. Antonio, 13th District, Mayor Mike Summers, City Councilman-at-Large Tom Bullock, City Council President Mary Louise Madigan, and City Councilmember-at-Large Cindy Marx, Lakewood City Council as well as ArtNEO and Beck Center for the Arts.

Mayor Summers believes the renewal is essential in supporting the arts and culture sector. “This tax has proven how a vibrant arts community drives our economy, improves education performance of school children, attracts tourists, residents and businesses and is a source of pride for us all. It’s certainly beneficial to Lakewood and the arts community we support but also to Cuyahoga County and our region as a whole.” 

For more information on the levy, its reach and how to get involved, go to www.ACAC2015.org.